Trish St.Hill

Getting Started with Your Book

As stated in an earlier post, there is a book in everyone. Whether it’s poetry, a cookbook, an autobiography, a novel, a children’s book, self-help, or a how-to book, it’s in there. But how does one get started?

For some people, it is about finding motivation. For others, it’s about time management, and sometimes people just don’t understand the process and how to begin.

My Approach: Story Mapping

One of my approaches is to take as little as one hour to jot down my layout, or what I call story mapping. My books are novels, but for most types of writing, it may simply involve making notes. If you have a computer or tablet, type it in. Start right where you are with whatever tools you have. Use the time you allocate as your special time to unwind rather than stress.

For instance, after you have put the little ones to bed, and have done the dishes and laundry, take an hour or even 30 minutes for yourself to jot down your ideas. Don’t worry about format and errors at this stage; these are things a good proofreader and editor can iron out for you later on. You should never proofread your own work anyway.

The Importance of Getting Started

The important thing is to get started. If you take public transport, use that time to make notations. During your lunch break, use 15 minutes to write. The book is within you, and getting started is within your reach.

Maintaining Momentum

But how do you keep the momentum going once you start? Once you begin writing, commit to your scheduled writing time. Some days, you may write 10 pages; other days, only a paragraph. Even if you don’t write directly for your book one day, you might jot down reminders or research questions. It’s okay as long as you stay committed in some way.

Crafting Your Writing Style

You may also want to spend time crafting your writing style. It’s important to be authentic and develop your own voice, but it never hurts to observe the work of other writers in your genre. You may pick up simple formatting styles or recognize patterns in your errors that can improve your writing.

Consider taking an online writing class. My first book was handwritten because I did not have a typewriter or computer. By the time I began to type the book 25 years later, I realized the story fell flat in some places. Writing historical fiction is challenging because, while it may have some historical context, the characters can be fictional.

I decided to take an online class called “Descriptive Writing.” It was immensely helpful and contributed to a richer and more descriptive storyline.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting your writing journey or seeking to enhance your skills, remember that the most important step is to begin. Embrace the process, stay committed, and your book will emerge.